More than 750,000 people signed up to the NHS’ call for volunteers in just four days when the scheme launched last month. This is more than three times the original target.

Now, with the Royal Voluntary Service, completing checks on the volunteers, the group they will be helping has been expanded and will now include 2.5million 'at risk' people.

Volunteers will be:

• delivering medicines from pharmacies 
• driving patients to appointments
• bringing them home from hospital
• making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home
• transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS.

Are you an NHS volunteer? We'd love to hear from you about what you're doing and feature you in an article next week.

Thousands of these approved volunteers will be offered tasks from today via the GoodSAM app and will start helping people safely, with more expected to get requests over the coming weeks as referrals ramp up.

Health professionals, pharmacists and local authorities can upload requests for help on the NHS Volunteer Responders referrer’s portal and volunteers pick the job they want to do that day and close the task once complete. Volunteers show themselves as available when their app is switched to ‘on duty’.

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “The number of people who came forward to help some of the most vulnerable in their communities is truly extraordinary.

“Tackling this unprecedented coronavirus challenge means all of us to pulling together, so on behalf of the NHS, thank you to everyone who is playing their part."

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service said: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness across England and the many thousands of people wanting to play their part.

“We are already matching volunteers with vulnerable people in their local area to perform the tasks they have signed up to do. During the coming weeks and months "They will be called upon to help those who are vulnerable and at risk who are self-isolating for their own protection. Not only will this help to relieve pressure on the NHS – but it will also save lives.”

For more information visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or to make a referral visit NHS England website.